Apparatus for and method of treating hat bodies



June 4,l 1940.

` APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD 0F TREATING HAT BODIES f F. FRANZ E-r AL' 2,203,409

madam. 2?, 193s 12 sheets-snm 1 |N vENr RS r rack ranz Arhur H. Boesch.'

Y Robert .Pasv

AhoRNvwJ Jur@ 4, 1940. F, FRANZ Er M 2,203,409

` APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD 0F TREATING HAT BODIES rma Jan.. 27, 193e; 12 Sheets-sheet z INVENTORS Frederic/r 'l'anz Art/mr H. Baesoh l BY Rabert Push TTORNEY IJune 4, 1940.` F. FRANZ sr -AL Arnn'us pon-Aub nunon or Tnm'rm im" Bonms Filled Jan. 2.7. 193s 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 lNVENTORS Franz If. aesc/z Push,

June 4,1940. j F. FRANZ Er-AL' 2,203,409

APPARATUS FOR AND IIETHQD 0F TREATING HAT BODIES Filed Jim, 4'7, 193s f 12 sheets-sheet 4 www INVENT Rs Frederick 7:0012 Arthur H. Baesch BYRobel- Pas/1. mygMr/@M ATTORN EYS lJune 4, 1940. 1F. FRANZ Erkl. 21,203,409

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' F. FRANZ r-:r AL

APPARATUS AND METHOD QF y'IPRIZATIIIG HAT BODIES `Filed Jan. 27. 193B 12 Sheets-Sheet 6.

Jim 4 V1940 F. FRANZ E -r AL Armgwrus ron Aun METHOD oF TRENI-ms HAT nomas Filed Jan. v2'?, 1938 l2 She-etS-Shee'c 7 am u u N N i wmm mi l O A er l Sw QQ.. EAM www NV o j m E@ m m G G r *h mm" ,AS llnllrll l lll Mm m2 @S5 N l l lll? 1| l m. I .||.|h @i l SN s.; l J m2 NS@ imm? m@ b2. 01g NDS QQ o. f o :Hagnau Megni@ .M mm 2 SN k z T, n n n z n z F cccmccmdccq U im. SNNNNQN u? June 4, 1940, F. FRA-nz :r AI.

2,203,409 Arnuus Fon Anp METHOD oF TREATING HAT Booms V12 sheets-sheet B Filed Jan. 2v. 1938 Jm4,1s4o. F. FRAN-z my y Y. y `2,203,409

`Mr'mm'rus Fon Arm` METHOD oF V'I'Rmvrnac 'HAI-*Blooms Filed Jan. :af/193s ilzfsneetssheet 9 U j* ff June 4, 1940. F. FRANZ Err AL 2,203,409

Armnuus Fon Ann mamon or' TREATING HAT omss Filed Jan. 27. 1938 12 sheets-sheet 1o Jwr 4, 1940. F. FRANZ E1-Ap v2,203,409"

Arrlmuusfron Ann nunon oF msnm'. nu' onms Filed Jan. 27, 19:58 12 sheets-sheet 11 June 4, 1940. F. FRANZ sr Al.

APPAATUS FOR AND METHOD 0F TREATING HAT BODIES I i2 Sheets-Sheet 12 Filed Jan. .27, 193s Patented June 4, 1940 UNITED STATES APPARATUS Fon AND ING HAT Frederick Franz,

New Haven,

PATENT OFFICE METHOD F TBEAT BODIES and Arthur H.

Boesch, Danbury, Conn., and Robert Pash,

Roselle, N. J.; signers to said Boesc said lFlranz and said Pash as- Application January 27. 1938, Serial No. 187,138

treated in larger quantities per unit of time than has heretofore been possible. Other objects will i0 be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements,

one or more of the others, all as will be illustratively described herein, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the fol- @lowing claims.

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of the machine;

`Figure 2 is a diagrammatic end elevation of the machine; A

Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a felting compartment of the machine;

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional elevation between adjacent felting compartments of the machine;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary plan view of one felting compartment of the machine;

Figure 5A is a fragmentary plan view of a feltlng compartment of the machine adjacent and complementary to the felting compartment shown in Figure 5;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of adjacent felting compartments of the machine;

Figure '7 is a fragmentary plan View, partly in section of a portion of the transmission or driving compartment ot the machine;

Figure 7A is a fragmentary plan view, partly in section, of another portion of the transmission complementary to that portion shown in Figure 7:

Figure `8 is a longitudinal fragmentary elevation, partly in section, of one portion of the transmission;

Figure 8A is a longitudinal fragmentary elevation. partly in section, of another portion of the transmission complementary to that portion shown in Figure 8;

Figure `9 is a sectional elevation taken along the line 9-9 in Figure 7A;

Figure 10 is a transverse sectional elevation ,5 taken along the line I-IU of Figure 7A;

Figure 11 is a transverse sectional elevation taken along the line ll-ll of Figure 7,' and Figure 12 is a diagrammatic sectional elevation of upper and lower felting rolls.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawmgs.

Referring now to Figure l, the machine generally comprises felting compartments generally indicated at Zw, 2li, 22, 2t, in which is disposed l0 side thereof.

Each pair of compartments 20, 2l and 22, 23 20 have an entry and a delivery end. Thus a bat 25 is placed in the felting machine at entry end ries the bats to the entry end 3| of felting compartments 22 and 23, where an operator places the bats on conveyor 32. which carries the bats into felting compartments 22 and 23 for treat- 35 ment therein. A conveyor 33 takes the bats from felting compartment 23 and delivers them to another stacker 34, similar to stacker 29, which projects the bats onto another endless belt conveyor 35, which returns the bats to entry end 25 of 4', felting compartments 20 and 2l. Conveyors 30 and 35 are preferably at rest during the stacking period and are operated when it is desired to bring the stack of bats from the delivery to the entrance position. 45 This travel of bats v25 constitutes what is called one pass of the bats through the machine, and the number of passes is determined by the amount of treatment needed. In this connection, the position of hat 25 is usually changed 50 after each pass through one pair of felting compartments. As shown in Figure 1, bat 25 at entry end 26 lies tip'rst, whereas at entry end 3| it lies edge rst. Preferably the bat is passed through the machine four times, i. e., tip rst,

reference is madeto the copending applicationl of Robert Pash,fSerial No. I150,116, filed October other side tip rst, one edge rst, other side opposite edge nrst, thus constituting four passes through the machine comprising what is termed With reference to Figure 2, feltlngfcompartments 28, 2l and 22, 28 are respectively mounted on suitable standards 88 and 81 in the lower portions of which are disposed water tanks and piping, as will be described in greater detail below. Transmission 24 is also mounted on suitable standards 88, which also carry a motor 39, connected to the mechanism in transmission 24. Preferably stackers 29 and 34 (Figure 1) are individually driven by motors 48 and 4|, respectively, throughsuitable reduction gears 42 .and 43, respectively. For-a detailed description of the construction and operation of stackers 29 and 34,

The felting, shrinking andv,1crozing, or sizing, as these operations will hereinafter be termed, may be accomplished by v"manipulation of the hat bodies soaked in clear or slightly acidulated hot water. In ordento size thel bats, as the hat bodies are termed, the individual fur fibers,

v be swung upwardly which are barbed, must be worked together so that the barbs interengage and the fibers become interlaced .to.v.form.-a compact and strong felt. The rate atan-.Ilich the fur lfibers can be interengagedjsffan :index of the .productive ca- ,pacity of the method and apparatus utilized in sizing the bats. Accordingly, as the interengagement of the furiibers can be expedited, the production of the machine is measured. To this end are directed the various steps and operations of our method and the various mechanisms which comprise our machine and which comprise one instrumentality by which our method may be practiced or directed.

Felting compartment Figures 3, y4, 5, 5A and 6 are illustrative of felting compartments 28 and 2|, for example, shown in Figure 1. With reference to Figure 3, it may be seen that felting compartments 2li and 2| are substantially similar in most respects. Accordingly, compartment 2| only will be considered. Compartment 2| includes a frame 44 in which a plurality of upper rolls 45 are rotatably mounted with their axes parallel and lying in the same horizontal plane. Frame 44 has secured thereto brackets which are pivotally secured to vertical brackets 41, these brackets thus constituting lthe butt plates of a hinge which` permit frame 44 and the mechanism` carried thereby to for a purpose to be described. As is more clearly shown in Figure 4, each of rolls 45, which preferably are formed of rubber disposed about preferably an iron core and whose diameters `are on the order of 2", includes a shaft 48 whose opposite ends are jourinaled in frame 44. :shaft 48 has plain cylindrical bearings at one end and spherical bans 49 formed thereon or connected thereto at the other A end, and these balls are iournaled between bearing segments 58 and 5| which preferably are made of material which may be lubricated by water, for example, a phenolic condensation compound. Bearing segments 50 are slidably disposed injvertical 'bores' 52 formed in frame 44, while bearingfsegments 5| are fixed therein, the segments and balls 49 being held in proper operative position by springs 58 whose upper ends are received in inverted box shaped housings 54.

with reference to Figure 6, spring housing 54 has upstanding arms 55 and 58, which are respectively pivotally connected to bell crank arms 51 and 58 of bell cranks 59 and 60. Bell cranks 59 and 88 are pivotally mounted respectively in U-shaped brackets 6I and 62 (see Figures 3 and 4) secured in any suitable manner to frame 44. Bell cranks 59 and 68 (Figure 6) also include arms 63 and 84, which are pivotally connected to a link 85.

With reference 'to Figures 3 and 4, the inner. side of frame 44 also has a pair of U-shaped brackets 66 and 61 (Figure 3) which pivotally support levers 68 and 69 having arms 18 and 1| pivotally connected to lugs 12 and 13 secured to and extending from housing 54 (see also Figure 4). vBell crank 59 and lever 6.8 are secured to a shaft 14?(Figures 3, 4 and 6) journaled in brackets 6| and 66, bell crank 68 (Figure 3) and lever 89 being secured to a. shaft 15 journaled in brackets 42 and 81. Thus bell cranks 59 and 61|,

and levers, and 69 all move together by virtue ally secured to lever 11. Lever 8| is provided with a pawl 82 which coacts with the teeth of a ratchet 83 secured to frame 44 to prevent upward movement of lever 11. A spring 84, anchored to leverv11 and secured to end 19a of release finger urges pawl 82 into engagement with ratchet y Thus the pressure exerted by springs 53 (Figure 4) may be varied at will by manipulation 'of lever 11. When lever 11 is depressed, bell cranks 59 and 60 pivot counterclockwise (Figure 6) to l depress spring housing 54, thus compressing springs 53 to increase the pressure on bearing segments 58, and accordingly on cylindrical shaft and balls .49, thus increasing the downward pressure of upper rolls 45 (Figure 4) for a purpose to be described. Pawl 8| and ratchet 88 maintain the adjusted spring pressure which may be released by manipulation of release finger 19.

As noted above, frame 44 is hingedly related to the lower part of the machine, and as viewed in Figure 4, the frame is provided with a hand grip 85 by which the upper rolls and upper frame,

and all the mechanism carried -thereby may be swung counterclockwise about the pivotal axis of hinge brackets 46 and 41. It is important, however; that upper frame 44 be locked in place during lthe" operation of the machine. To this end, the machine is provided with a lower frame 98 see Figures 2 and 4) on each corner of which is secured a bracket 86 (Figure 3) provided with a slot 88 (Figure 4) which receives one of pins 89 which are secured to the corners ol' upper frame 44. Each pair of brackets 86 (Figure 3) embrace a slidable bar having inclined surfaces or wedges 9| (Figure 4) adapted to ride over and bear on pins 89 to hold frame 44 and upper rolls 45 in proper operative position. Brackets 86 also support a bar 92 (Figure 3) which carries a plate 98. A spring 94 has one end secured to plate 83 and the other secured to slidable bar 90, thus urging the bar to the left, as viewed in Figure 3, and to the right as viewed in Figure 4, to force wedges 8| against pins 89 and thus hold upper frame 44 in position. Bar 80 (Figure 3) also sure of handle 91 causes lever 96 (Figure 3) to swing clockwise against pin 95, forcing bar 90` to the right to cause wedges 8| (Figure 4) to release. pins 89. When so released, frame 44 may be lifted bodily by handle 85 and swung upwardly and away from lower frame 98.

Lower frame 98 (Figure 4) journals a plurality of lower rolls 99 similar in character to upper rolls 45, and arranged in staggered relation thereto (see Figure 6). Roll 99 are mounted on shafts |00 (Figure 4) whose opposite ends are rotatably borne by bearings |0| preferably formed of a material such as phenolic condensation compound, which can be lubricated by water. Bearings |0| preferably do not completely surround shaft |00 (see Figure 5A) and are suitably supported by portions 98a of lower frame 98. Thus bearings 50, 5| and |0| (Figure 4) effectively journal the upper and lower roll shafts 48 and |00.

As noted above, half-bearing 50 is vertically movable, and accordingly upper rolls 45 (Figure 4) also may move up and down. This movement occurs when a bat passes between the staggered rolls 45 and 99. When the bat passes under rolls 45, pressure is exerted against bearings 50 and |0|, but not against bearing 5|. Hence only bearings 50 and |0| wear under these conditions. When the machine is idling, i. e., when no bats are passing therethrough, the only bearing wear that occurs is on bearings 5|. This wear approximates the wear on bearings |0|. As bearing 50 continues to wear, it merely feeds downwardly in bore 52. Thus the distance between the axes of rolls 45 and 99 remains constant and the space between the rolls does not vary.

Because vrolls 45 and 99 are arranged in staggered relationship, a bat passing therebetween follows an undulating path as it travels between the banks of upper and lower rolls. Depending uppn the thickness of the bat being operated on, the spacing between adjacent upper and lower rolls is preferably adjusted. To this end, lower frame 98 (Figure 4) is provided at each corner with a suitable vertically movable pin |02. whose upper end bears against a corner of upper frame 44. Frame 98 also slidably mounts a horizontal bar |03 at each transverse edge, and each bar is preferably provided with a pair of inclined surfaces |04, against which the bottoms of pins |02 bear. One end |03a of rod |03 is toothed and meshes with a spur |05 mounted on one end of a shaft whose other end carries a similar spur meshing with teeth on the counterpart of rod |03. The shaft which carries spur |05 also carries a pointer ||0 which registers on a dial I as the parts move. Thus, rotation of pointer ||0 causes rotation of spur |05, which in turn effects linear movement of rod |03. As rod |03 and its counterpart move to the left, as viewed in Figure 4, pins |02 ride up on inclined surfaces |04, thus elevating upper frame 44 to the desired position. Accordingly, the upper bank of rolls 45 may be spaced from the lower bank of rolls 99 as desired, and the spacing is indicated on dial The pressure with whichthe upper rolls bear against a bat passing through the machine may be varied at will by the positioning of lever 11 which controls the pressure of springs 53. 'I'he pressure is indicated by the numeral'at the ratchet tooth on which the pawl 8| is placed.

Felting compartment 20 (Figure l) has been described hereinabove and it will be understood that the other felting compartments 2|, 22 and 23 are substantially identical in construction and operation, each compartment thus including upper and lower banks of rolls, the position of the upper banks being variable with respect to the lower banks, and the pressure with which the rolls in each upper bank bear on bats passing through the machine being variable as desired. It might also be well to note, with reference to Figures 4 and 6, that the ends of shafts'48 of upper rolls 45 extend through elongated slots H2, which accommodate the rise and fall of these rolls as bats pass thereunder, hinge bracket 41 also having a slot 41a for the hinge pintle to allow vertical movement of the upper rolls.

As previously noted, each felting compartment has conveying mechanism associated therewith. For example, felting compartment 20 is operatively positioned with respect to conveying apparatus '21, which delivers bats into the felting compartment. As shown in Figure 6, this con- Y veying apparatus comprises a plurality of thin circular discs H3, secured in spaced relationship to shafts ||4 (Figure 5) journaled at each end in water lubricated bearings I5 (Figure 5) whichv may be substantially similar to water lubricated bearings |0| (Figure 4) .l With reference to Figure 5, adjacent sets of discs ||3 are inter-related so that the peripherles of the discs on one shaft almost abut the adjacent shaft. Sufficient sets of discs are preferably used to provide ample supporting surface for conveying the bats into the machine. Furthermore, the discs are preferably close enough together as to prevent the bat sagging between adjacent discs on the same shaft, or adjacent'discs on adjacent shafts. Thus, upon rotation of the discs, the bat is carried up to the felting compartment. To facilitate the entry of the bats between rolls 45 and 99 (Figure 4) there is preferably provided a plurality of fingers IIS, suitably secured to lower frame 98. The spacing between these lingers preferably equals the spacing between discs H3, each nger being disposed between adjacent discs at the entry end of the felting compartment (see Figures 5 and 6).

A similar arrangement of discs ||3 and fingers ||6 is disposed between adjacent felting compartments, such as compartments 20 and 2| (Figures 5 and 5A), these discs and fingers acting to receive the bats from compartment 20 and deliver them into compartment 2|. Likewise, compartment 2| has associated therewith conveying mechanism 28 comprised of discs H2, as hereinbefore described, and these discs receive the bats from compartment 2| and deliver them to stacker 29, as viewed in Figure 3. It may now be seen that conveyors 32 and 33 (Figure l) associated with felting compartments 22 and 23respectively, are substantially similar to conveyors 21 and 28 and operate in a similar manner.

It is important that before and during the sizing of the bats they be well soaked with hot water. To this end, and with reference to Figure 4, a. water pipe ||1, connected to suitable hot Water tanks in bases 35 and 31 (Figure 2) is provided for each pair of compartments 20, 2| and A22, 23. As the water supply for each pair of felting compartments is the same, only that for compartments 20 and 2| will be considered. Water pipe ||1 is connected to a lower branch pipe ||8y and an upper branch pipe II9. Lower branch pipe H8 is connected to a lower header generally indicated at |25 (Figure 6) and upper branch pipe H9 is-connected by a hinged union i2! toa pair of distributlngpipes |22 and |23, which in turn are connected to upper headers |24 header section |26 has a distributor chamber |28- (Figures 4, 5 and 6) to the opposite sides of which a suitable number of spray pipes |29 are connected to extend laterally therefrom under that portion of conveyor 21 (Figure 5) adjacent the entry end of felting compartment 20. Spray pipes |23 are fitted with a suitable number of inclined nozzles or jets |30, which extend upwardly from spray pipes |29 between adjacent discs H3. Thus, hot water forced through lower header section |26 is shot upwardly through jets |30 against the bottom oi' a bat passing over conveyor 21 into felting compartment 20.

It is also desirable to soak thoroughly the top of the bats before they enter the felting compartment. Accordingly, upper header |24 (Figure 6) has a plurality of spray pipes |3| connected thereto, and extending laterally therefrom over portions of conveyor 21 adjacent the entry end of felting compartment 20. Spray pipes |3| :are also provided with nozzles or jets |32 which slant downwardly and toward felting compartment 20 to direct a spray of hot water against the tops of bats entering the felting compartment.

' It may now be seen that upper and lower jets |30 and |32 extend over those conveyor discs H3 which are immediately adjacent the entry end of felting compartment 20 (Figure 6). lThus a bat conveyed into the felting compartment is thoroughly soaked before it enters between the felting rolls. During the passage of the bat through felting compartment 20, rolls 45 and 95 (Figure 4) operate on the bat in a manner to be described, and in so doing, squeeze some of the water out of the bat. Accordingly, before the bat enters felting compartment 2| (Figure 6) it is important that it again be thoroughly soaked. To this end is provided upper intermediate jets |33 (see also Figure 5) connected to pipes i22 and B23 (Figure 6) in any suitable manner, and lower jets |35 (see also Figure 5) suitably connected to pipe l i3. Thus, as the bat passes between compartments 2i) and 2|, it is again thoroughly soaked before its entrance into compartment 2 I As the bats travel through the felting compartments, they follow an undulating path as they are bent back and forth by upper and `lower rolls (i5 and 39. The undulations of this path are comparatively abrupt, the wave length being on the order of between two and three inches, by reason of the small diameter of the rolls. Furthermore, as will hereinafter appear, the rolls are rotating at a substantially high number of revolutions per minute. As may be seen in Figures 5 and 5A, adjacent upper rolls 45 are spaced a suitable distance apart, lower rolls 99 being similarly spaced to avoid any possibility of contact between the rotating rolls which would impair their operative surfaces. These factors of wave length, roll speed, roll spacing and roll pressure result in a substantial squeezing of water out of the bats. As the bats should be quite wet to facilitate and expedite sizing, rolls 45 and 99 (Figures 5 and 5A) are provided with slots |35 and |36, respecone another laterally.

aaoacoe tively, which are preferably spaced or oset from Each of upper headers |24 and |25 is provided with jets |31, one of which registers with each of upper slots |35, these jets beinginclined in the., .direction of travel -of the bats (see Figure 1'2). 'lower pipe sectionsv |20 and |21,l (Figure 6) are also provided with upwardly extending jets |30 (Figure 5A) which are also preferably inclined in the direction of travel of the bat (see Figure 12) and which register with slots |36 in lower rollsk90. Jets |31 and |33 are positioned to direct streams of fluid |33 under pressure between adjacent upper rolls and adjacent lower rolls. Fluid streams |39 accordingly impinge directly on the traveling bat, the upper streams forcing the leading edge of the bat downwardly against lower rolls 30, and the lower streams forcing the leading edge of the bat upwardly against upper rolls 45. As the force of fluid streams |30 is exerted between adjacent rolls, the roll surfaces are not damaged and the leading edge of the bat, e. g. when the bat is traveling tip, is held in4 its proper course. The bat is thus kept well soaked while it is being treated.

It will now appear, with reference to Figures 1, 5 and 5A, that bats 25 thrown on the entry end of conveyor 21 are carried thereby to a point adjacent felting compartment 20. At this point the bats are thoroughly soaked by upper and lower jets |32 and |30 before the bats enter the felting compartment. Thence the bats travel into felt- 'ing compartment 20 and are fed between the upper and lower roll banks, which cause the bats to follow an undulating path, i. e., the bats are bent back and forth rapidly as they pass between the rolls, and this bending results in inter-engagement of the fur fibers and shrinking of the bats. As the bats emerge from the felting compartment 20 they receive a second soaking by intermediate jets |35 and |36 (Figure 6) before they enter felting compartment 2|. In felting compartment 2 I, the bats are further sized until they emerge on delivery conveyor 28, which carries the bats to stacker 2Q, which in turn projects them onto a table or onto conveyor 30, as desired. The bats are similarly treated in their passage through felting compartments 22 and 23.

As already noted, the felting rolls in felting compartments 20, etc., are rotatable. Lower rolls 09, in addition to rotating, are also rapidly reciprocated, further to expedite sizing of the bats. Additionally, upper rolls 45 at times preferably rotate at a higher rate than the lower rolls, in order to effect an operation which is known as crozing By this term is meant the relative movement of one ply of the bat with g respect to the other so as to avoid the formation of a sharp and ineradicable crease where the plies join. To effect these various movements of the rolls, driving mechanism 24 (Figure 1) is provided. Such driving mechanism, in addition to being sturdy, reliable and durable under conditions of extremely high humidity and speed of operation, should also operate in such a manner as to preclude destructive vibration and afford instantaneous and certain control of the felting compartment mechanism. Still further, it is important that the lubrication of the driving mechanism be so effective as to preclude the leakage of oily lubricant into the felting compartments, and at the same time to preclude the entrance of moisture and fur fibers into the driving compartment. To these ends, the drivingmechanism now to be described is directed.

Drive or Transmission With reference to Figures 7 and 7A, a motor |40 is suitably secured to a housing |4| for the driving mechanism or transmission. The motor armature is connected to a main drive shaft |42 which is operatively connected to the lower rolls in felting compartments 20 and 23 (Figure 1). A suitable coupling |43 (Figure 7A) connects a drive shaft |44 to drive shaft |42 (Figure 7), drive shaft |44 (Figure 7A) being operatively connected to the lower rolls in felting compartments 2| and 22 (Figure l). Drive shafts |42 and |44 (Figures 7 and 7A) are suitably journaled in main bearings |45, |46, |41 and |48, which are secured to and extend upwardly from the base of housing I4|. Each of shafts |42 and |44 has formed thereon a plurality of throws oreccentrics |49, arranged in pairs, each throw of each pair extending oppositely of one another and the eccentrics on shaft |44 being disposed at 90 with respect to the eccentrics or throws on shaft |42, for a purpose to be described. 'I'hrows |49 rotatably mount connecting rods |50, 5|, |52 and |53 (Figure 7) and |54, |55, |56 and |51 (Figure 7A) arranged in cooperating pairs. For example, connecting rods |50 and |52 accommodate the lower rolls of felting compartment 20. As each cooperating pair of connecting rods is `substantially the same as each other pair, only rods |50 and |52 will be considered.

Referring to Figure 7, connecting rods |50 and |52 are rockably connected to a cross head |58 by suitable wrist pins |59. Cross head |58 is slidably mounted between suitable vertical guides |60 and |6|, and on support plates |62 (see Figure 7A) having suitable oil grooves |63 cut therein. Cross head |58 also rotatably carries a `roller |64 which rides against vertical support |6| for a purpose to be described.

Similarly, connecting rods and |53 are rockably secured to a cross head i 65 substantially similar to cross head |58, but oppositely disposed with respect thereto, i. e., cross head |65 has a roll |66 bearing against vertical guide |61, which is oppositely disposed with respect to cross head guide roll |64 and guide |6l. As may be seen in Figure 7, connecting rod i 5| lies between rods |50 and |52, and rod |53 lies to the right of rod |52. By connecting the rods in this relationship to shaft |42, the bending couple created by rods |50 and |5| exactly counterbalances the bending couple created by rods |52 and |53, thus causing less shaft deflection than would result were rod |53 also disposed between rods |50 and |52. In the latter case the bending moment on that portion of the crank shaft between the main bearings would be the sum of, instead of the difference between, these bending moments. Furthermore this arrangement of the connecting rods adds rigidity to the drive shafts and reduces to a negligible amount whipping and other vibratory movements thereof, thus further lending to the balance and quiet operation of the machine and substantially reducing bearing wear owing to maintenance of uniform oil clearance space.

Rolls |64 and |66 are providedto take the reactive forces due to the driving eifectof the multiplicity of gears 209, the thrust of which is transmitted through shafts |10, ball bearings |69 and crosshead |58. These thrusts are in the same direction and cumulative.

As is more clearly shown in Figure l1, crosshead |58 also has an upper guide |68 (see also Figure 7A). Referring back to Figure 11, crosshead |58 is preferably substantially U-shaped in vertical cross section, and in its closed side |580 carries a number of ball bearings |89 each of which rotatably supports the end of a shaft |10. A nut |1| is threaded and held on the end of shaft by a suitable lock washer to prevent withdrawal of the shaft from bearing |69 to the left. A locking ring |12 holds bearing |69 in place in cross head end |58a.

Shaft |10 also has secured thereto and rotatable therewith an externally splined bushing',r |13, which slidably carries a splined spur gear |14. Shaft |10 extends through a bore or channel formed in housing |4|, this bore having disposed therein a plurality of sealing discs |16 which surround shaft |10 and prevent escape of lubricant from the housing. The end |10a of shaft |10 which projectsoutside of housing |4| has acoupling |11' which connects shaft |10 to roll shaft |00 (see Figure 4) It may now be seen that upon rotation of drive shaft |42 (Figure 11) throw |49 rotates to effect reciprocation of cross head |58 by connecting rod |50. As cross head |58 reciprocates, shaft 10 follows, the shaft being rotatable at the same time by virtue of the splined connection between bushing |13, on shaft |10, and spur gear |14, which is part of the roll rotation drive mechanism to be hereinafter explained. Reciprocation of shaft |10 accordingly imparts reciprocation to roll shaft |00 (Figure 4) to reciprocate lower roll 99. While the driving connection ol only one of lower rolls 99 has been described, it will be understood that all are similarly reciprocated, cross head i 58 driving all of the lower rolls in felting compartment 20, and cross head |65 reciprocating all ofthe lower rolls in compartment 23.

As adjacent throws |49 (Figure 7) on shaft |42 are 180 apart, the mechanism is perfectly balanced, so that the lower rolls and opposite compartments accelerate and decelerate together and arrive at their path oi' movement extremities at the same time. Thus the resultant forces set up lin one side of the machine, and extending in one direction, are substantially counter-balanced by resultant forces of equal magnitude in the opposite direction, the forces thus neutralizing one another and mutually reducing vibration to a negligible minimum. Preferably approximately 1750 reciprocations per minute are effected, the reciprocal stroke preferably not exceeding one quarter of an. inch, a stroke of one-eighth of an inch giving excellent results.

The mechanism for rotating rolls 45 and 99 will now be considered. As the roll rotation imparting mechanism is the same for all of the felting compartments, only the mechanism for compartments and 2| will be described. With refer ence to Figure 7, drive shaft |42 has a drive gear |18 mounted thereon, and this gear (see Figure 10) meshes with and drives a train of reduction gears |19, |80, |8I, |82 and |83. Gear |83 is mounted on and drives a shaft |84, which is journaled in suitable bearings |85 (Figure 7) disposed in supports |86 extending upwardly from the base oi housing 4|. Shaft |84 carries a pair of change gears generally indicated at |81 and |88 which include gears 2|0, 2| 2 I4 and 2|3, which are adapted to selectively mesh with and accordingly drive complementary change gears |99, 200, 20| and 202 (see Figure 7A) which are mounted on the splined end 203 of a shaft 204. Shaft 204 extends substantially longitudinally of the felting compartments and hasmounted thereon at spaced intervals therealong a plurality of bevel gears 205, which equal in number and spacing upper rolls 45. With reference to Figure ll, each of bevels 205 meshes with a bevel |89 secured to the end of a shaft |90 rotatably mounted in a suitable journal |9|. The other end of shaft |90 extends through suitable sealing discs |92 and through a sealing cap |93 to a point outside of housing |4|. 'Ihis outer end of shaft |90 has mounted thereon one section |94 of a coupling, the other section |95 of which is secured to a shaft |96. A suitable leather or rubber coupling ller |91 is disposed between coupling sections |94 and |95. With reference to Figure 4, shaft |96 is connected to upper roll shaft 48 by a coupling |98 substantially similar to coupling |94- |95. These couplings provide universal joints which permit the various movements of frame 44 and the mechanism carried thereby, and the individual movements of shafts 48 as bats pass under the rolls 45, as described above.

It may now be seen that rotation of drive shaft |42 (Figure 7) results in rotation of shaft |84 through reduction gears |18|83. iAs noted above, gears 2|0, 2||, 2|4 and 2|3 (Figure '7) mesh selectively with change gears |99, 200, 20| or 202 (Figure 7A) and accordingly shaft 204 and bevels 205 are rotated. Rotation of bevels 205 results in rotation of bevels |89 (Figure l1) and accordingly shafts |90, |96 and 69 (Figure 4) are rotated to rotate upper rolls 45.

With reference to Figures '7, gear |83 is also connected to a shaft 206, which is substantially coextensive with acUacent felting compartments 20 and 2l (Figure 1) and has secured thereto at spaced intervals therealong a plurality of bevel gears 201, one of these gears being provided for each of lower rolls ,99 (Figure 5). Each of bevel gears 201 (Figure 1) meshes with one of a pl-urality of bevel gears 200 formed on spur gears 209, there being one spur gear 209 provided for each lower roll 99. With reference to Figure l1, spur gear 209 meshes with spur gear |14, which, as before described, has a splined connection with bushing |13 which is secured to shaft |10. s Accordingly, rotation of drive shaft |42 (Figure '1) imparts rotation of shaft 206 through gears |18- |83. As shaft 206 rotates, meshing bevels 201 and 208 rotate, and accordingly, drive shaft |10, through'meshing spurs 209 and |14. As shaft |10 is connected to lower roll shaft |00 (Figure 4) by collar |11, rotation is imparted to lower .rolls 99. Preferably the speed of motor (Figure '1) and the arrangement of gears |18|83 is such that a. rotation on the order of 340 revolutions per minute is imparted to lower rolls 99. As noted above,vthe rotating lower rolls also reciprocate at about 1750 reciprocations per minute, and

accordingly a ratio on the order of 5 reciprocations to 1 rotation results. We have found that this ratio is particularly efficacious and results in a markedly increased production of uniform, high quality bats.

It should be noted at this point that while the gears in the train driven by gear |18 (Figure '1) on shaft |42 are similar to those comprising the train driven by shaft |44, the latter train includes an idler or reversing gear 300 (Figure 10) which reverses the direction of rotation of the rolls in felting compartments 22 and 23, in order to propel the bats through those compartments in a direction opposite to their direction of travel in compartments 20 and 2|. Thus, as shown in Figure 10, the first train comprises gears |1 9, |80, |8I, |32 and |83, while the latter train comprises gears |19a, |80a, idler 300, gears |8|a, |82a and |03a.k

Shaft |84 (Figure 7) also carries a gear 22|- meshing with a gear 222 mounted on a shaft 223 suitably journaled in housing |4|. Shaft 223 (bottom of Figure 7A) carries a plurality of spaced bevels 224. which mesh with bevels 225 mounted on the ends of shafts 226, which extend through sealing caps 221 and sealing discs 228 into housing |4|. Shafts 226 (Figure 4) are suitably coupled to a conveyor disc shafts ||4 by a plurality of suitable couplings 230. Thus rotationof shaft 84,. as before described, imparts rotation to shaft 223, which in turn rotates shafts ||4 through bevels 224 and 225 to rotate conveyor discs ||3 (Figure 5).

Shaft 206 (Figure 7A) carries spur gears 23| and 232, which mesh respectively with gears 233 and 234 mounted respectively on counter shafts 235 and 236 suitably journaled in housing |4|. Shaft 235 carries bevels 231, which mesh with bevels 238 mounted on the ends of shafts 239, which extend into housing |4| through suitable sealing caps and discs similar to caps 221 and discs 228. Shafts 239 are suitably coupled to intermediate conveyor disc shafts H4 (shown at the left of Figure 5A). Shaft 236 (Figure 7A) has a similar driving connection with shafts 24|), which are coupled to conveyor disc shafts H4 of conveyor 28 (Figure 5A). It will now appear that rotation of shaft 206 (Figures 7 and 7A) imparts rotation to shafts 2,39 and 240 to rotate conveyor discs ||3 (Figure 5A).

As described above, it is important at times to croze the bats as they are passing through the felting compartments, and to effect this crozing one ply of the bat must be moved relative to the other to eradicate the old crease between the plies and form a new one. y As hereinbefore noted, upper and lower rolls and 99 (Figure 12) have a coating of rubber. It has been determined that the coefficient of friction between the rubber surface of the rollsand the surface of the bats is on the order of 1.0. Accordingly, if one set of rolls rotates faster than the other, the bat ply engaged by the faster rotating rolls will be moved relative to the bat ply engaged by the slower moving rolls. Furthermore, as the entire bat is firmly engaged by upper and lower rolls at a plurality of regular spaced points throughout the length of the bat, all portions of one ply of the bat move relative to all portions of the other ply of the bat, i. e., one ply skids over the other, and in so doing rolls over the creases between the plies, eradicating the old creases and forming new ones. The amount of this relative movement is a function of the speed differential between the rolls, and accordingly the amount of croze varies directly as the speed differential which can be controlled and accordingly varied. To this end upper rolls 45 (Figure 5A) are rotated at a higher speed than lower rolls 99.` This speed differential is attained through change gears 2|0, 2||, 2|! and 2|3 (Figure 7) selectively meshing with change gears |99-202. Change gears |99, 200, 20| and 202 (Figure 7A) are differently toothed, and respectively are adapted to mesh with differently toothed change gears 2|0, 2| 2|2 and 2|3. Gears |99 and 200 are unitary and connected to a grooved collar 2|4, gears 20| and 202 also being unitary and provided with a grooved collar 2|5. These change gears are shifted by a shift rod 2|6 slidably supported in housing |4| and carrying a pair` of shift arms 2|1 and 2|8 (see also Figure 8) which coact respectively with collars 2I5 (Figure 7A) and 2I4. Shift rod 2|6 (Figure 8) extends outwardly of housing |4| and carries on its end a shift lever 2| 9 which extends upwardly through a guide box 220 (Figure 7) provided with four lever position slots A, B, C and D, and a. central neutral position. When shift lever 2|9 is pulled into position A, shiftarm 2|8 (Figure 7A) engages collar 2|4 and pulls gear |99 into mesh with gear 2|0, leaving the other change gears unmeshed. Shifting of lever 2|9 into position B disengages gears |99 and 2|0 and meshes gear 200 with gear 2| I. Shifting of lever 2|9 into position C (Figure 7) disengages shifting arm 2|8 from collar 2|4 and engages shift arm 2|1 with collar 2I5 and moves gear 20| into mesh with gear 2|2. Similar movement of shift lever 2| 9 into position D meshes gear 202 with gear 2|3. Detents in the cluster gears |99, 200, etc., prevent their accidental displacement when arms 2|1 and 2|8 are out of their respective grooves.

As hereinbefore noted, it is only at certain times that crozing is desired, because at certain times the bats are in such aA position in the felting compartments that crozing would be detrimental to the bat. This condition pertains, for example, when the bat tip is the leading part of the bat, it being undesirable to effect relative movement of the bat plies when the bat is in this position because of the danger of damaging the tip. Accordingly, when the bat is passing through the machine in this position, shift lever 2 |9 (Figure 7 or 7A) is placed in position D wherein gears 202 and 2|3 are in mesh.` As these gears are equally toothed, no speed differential between the upper and lower rolls results, and accordingly the bats are not crozed. If crozing is desired. however, as for example when the bat is passing through the machinel in such a manner that its axis is substantially parallel to the axis of the rolls, gear lever 2|9 (Figure 1) may be moved into one of positions A, B, or C to mesh corresponding change gears as described, which results in different speeds of rotation of the upper rolls. Thus three different roll speed differentials are available, andv the upper rolls may be rotated at a speed equal to that of the lower rolls, or at speeds in excess of that of the lower rolls up to a predetermined maximum depending upon the amount of croze desired, the amount of croze desired usually Vbeing dependent upon the I nature and condition of the bat.

244 to a header i distributor pipes 240, 241 and 248 (see also Fig- `bearings |46 (Figure 7),

With reference to Figure 10, lubrication of the transmission hereinbefore described is effected by a gear pump generally indicated at 24| driven by idler gear 300. The gear pump forces oil through a pipe 242 (Figure 7A) -into an oil purier 243 from which the oil flows through a pipe 245, having connected thereto ure 7). Pipes 246 and 248 lubricate the various bevels 205, |89, 224, 225, 231, 238 and 201, 209 by which the upper and lower rolls and conveyor discs are rotated. Pipe 241 lubricates main |48 (Figure 7A), connecting rod bearings at throws |49 (Figures 7 and 7A),'guide plates |60 (Figure 7) and |6I and |62 (Figure 7A). Pipe 241 also lubricates gear trains |18|93 (Figures 7 and 7A)` and the various bearings which support shafts |94, 200, 223, 235 and 236. After these various parts are lu" bricated the lubricant collects in the bottom of housing |4| or in a suitable sump (not shown) from which it is drawn by gear pump 24| (Figure 7A) and recirculated. Housing I4I is pracmany on tight, as the shafts leading therefrom `whichrotate the rolls and conveyor discs pass through the oil seals hereinbefore described, which effectively prevent the escape of lubricant or the entrance of moisture.

As hereinbefore noted, connecting -rods |50|51 (Figures 7 and 7A) are operated at a speed to imi part about 1750 reciprocations per minute to the lower rolls in the felting compartments. As described, one side of the machine balances the other so that the forces set up during the reciprocal strokes of the mechanism on one side are absorbed by the oppositely directed forces set up on the other side, thus precluding a dangerous condition which might otherwise arise from vibration. In this Vsame. connection, however, it should be noted that when the throws |49 on shaft |44 (Figure 7A) are in the position indicated, namely that of maximum acceleration, the connecting rods |54|51 are in their position of zero accelerating. force. This force varies inversely with the distance from mid-position. Furthermore, when throws |49 on shaft |44 are in the position shown in Figure'7, the accelerating force, regardless of its magnitude, produces a zero turning moment on the crank shaft. As the( accelerating force decreases, the turning moment increases and the variations of the turning moment from maximum to lminimum occur at the rate of two cycles per revolution of the shaft, thus giving rise to a frequency which corresponds with the frequency of the alternating current of the supply source (usually 60 cycles). The coincidence of what ical frequency with the electrical frequency, i. e., the frequency of the driven system and the frequency of the driving system would result in a serious condition of resonance between the mechanical and electric circuits.

Tomitigate this effect, the crank throws |49 on shaftY |42 (Figure 7) are set at right angles to the throws on shaft |44 (Fig-ure7A). It becomes apparent that this arrangement of the crank throws on shafts |42 and |44 (Figures 7 and 7A) brings the maximums and minimums of turning moment muchcloser together and doubles the frequency of variation thus taking the mechanical system or circuit out of synchronization with the electric system or circuit and accordingly eliminating resonance.

As described above, each adjacent pair of felting compartments, for example, compartments 20 and 2| (Figures 5 and 5A) include a water pipe and spray system `by which the bats are soaked before and during their travel through the felting compartments. With reference to vFigure 4, a catch screen 249 is formed below the felting compartments by side walls 250 and 25|, and perforated bottom 252, which strains the water from sprays |30, |32 and |31 into the tanks. Any suitable heating medium underneath may be em ployed for the tanks under screen 249 for reheating. At times, however, it is desirable that the tank be voided of water quite rapidly, and for this purpose there is provided one or more release valves 253 (Figure 5) which may be opened by depression of a lever 254 pivoted at 255.

As noted above, each pair of felting compartments has a cooperating stacker, for example,

stacker 29 (Figure 3) which cooperates with felt' ing compartments 20 and 2|. While the various details of construction and operation of the stacker are fully described in the above-noted application of Robert Pash, it might be Well to note that stacker 29 comprises a pair of corrugated might be termed the mechanrolls 255 and 251, a retarding roll 258 and a drag bar 259. Roll 259 is vertically movable and is constantly urged downwardly both by' its own weight and by the pressure of a spring 250. Reduction gars 42 are driven by motor 49 through a shaft 29|, the gearing being such that upper stacker roll 256 rotates at a lower speed than lower stacker roll 251, the gearing also being such that retarding roll 258 is driven at the same speed as the lower roll.

In operation, stacker rolls 256 and 251-grasp the leading portion of the moving bat and draw the bat from conveyor 28. As the bat passes between these rolls, it is corrugated along lines normal to the axes of the rolls, and because of the higher speed of rotation of lower roll. 251. the bat is curved upwardly slightly as it leaves the rollers. Because of the corrugations imparted to the bat it is relatively rigid and may thus be projected through the air without crumpling. Retarding roll 258 and drag 259 engage portions of the bat after it leaves the corrugated rolls, and this action affects the movement of the bat in such a manner that it falls in a predetermined and desired manner on a table (not shown) or conveyor 39, if desired. Where a table is utilized, each successive bat flies through the same path and acccordingly the successive bats are neatly piled on one another. It is possible that because of the speed differential between stacker rolls 256 and 251 a croze is imparted to the bat. Where the bat is traveling edgewise, i. e., when its axis is parallel to the axis of the stacker rolls, any croze which might be imparted to the bat by these rolls is beneficial. The amount of croze, however, is not suiiicient to damage the bat when it is traveling tip first.

Returning now to the felting compartments, and particularly'to Figure 4, it should be noted that by reason of the individual journaling of the opposite ends of upper rolls 45, either end of these rolls can be raised independently of the other. This results in more uniform work on the bats because the tips and brims thereof are of different thicknesses. Accordingly the pressure of the roll is evenly distributed over the total area of the bat.v vAlso, by reason of the fact that roll slots |35 and |35 are laterally spaced. there is no longitudinal zone in the bat which remains untreated as would otherwise be the case were these slots or grooves in the same plane in both the upper and lower rolls.

To summarize the operation of the machine. the operator tosses bat 25 onto disc conveyor 21, which carries the bat to felting compartment 20.

Immediately before the bat enters this compartment it is thoroughly soaked by water sprays |32 and |30 (Figure 4). Thence the bat passes into the felting compartment between rolls 45 and 99. Assuming that bat 25 is traveling in a position, e. g. edge first, as distinguished from tip first, and crozing is desired, rolls 45 and 99 carry the bat along an undulating path in a series of waves, the length of each of which is commensurate with the diameter of the rolls. During this undulating movement of the bat, lower rolls 99 are reciprocating or jigging rapidly in addition to rotating, and upper rolls 45 are rotating at a higher speed than lower rolls 99. The combination of the abrupt undulations, the rapid jigging, and the speed differential rapidly sizes and crozes the bats as they pass through felting compartment 20. At the same time, streams of uid under pressure coming from jets |31 and |38 moisten the bat. However, the fluid from sprays |31 and |38 insumciently moistens the bat, which becomes comparatively dry from the pressure exerted thereon from the rolls while passing through compartment 20. Accordingly,

while passing from compartment 20 to compartment 2| (Figure 6) intermediate sprays |33 and |34 thoroughly soak the bat before it enters compartment 2|. Compartment 2| subjects the bat to treatment similar to that in compartment 20.

From compartment 2| (Figure 1) the bat is delivered to disc conveyor 28, which carries it to stacker 29. This stacker projects the bat through the air either onto a table (not shown) where the bat falls in superimposed relationship on previously stacked bats, or onto conveyor 3|! which carries the bat to table 3|. Here another operator takes the bat from conveyor 30 and tosses it on disc conveyor 32, preferably changing the position of the bat from the position in whichl it lay while passing through compartments 20 and 2|. If the bat is tossed on disc conveyor 32 tip first, the upper roll drive for compartments 22 and 23 is regulated by manipulation of shaft lever 2|9 into position D to bring the speed of rotation of the upper and lower rolls in the felting compartment into coincidence, thus to avoid crozing. Accordingly the bats are soaked before passing into compartment 22, wherein they are kneaded and rubbed, as before described, again soaked before passing into compartment 23, again kneaded and rubbed, and delivered onto disc conveyor 33 which carries the bats to stacker 34. Stacker 34 projects the bats either on a table (not shown) or on belt conveyor 35, which carries the bats back to the operator at entry end 28. The bats, of course, may be passed through the machine as many times as is necessary to bring them down to size.

Because of the high speed at which the machine operates (1750 reciprocations of the lower rolls per minute, and 350 revolutions per minute of the rolls) a bat may be shrunk to size in a very substantially lessened time, in certain instances in a quarter of the time which would be necessary in a conventional multi-roller machine. Furthermore, the total time of contact between the bat and the rolls is greatly reduced, and this not only vastly improves the quality of the bat, but substantially eliminates the bleeding of color from them and reduces to a minimum the washing out of short stock. Furthermore, because of the croze control whereby the bats are not crozed when passing through the machine tip first, wrinkling of the tip is prevented and accordingly not only the shape of the bat is maintained throughout the felting operation, but also damage is precluded.

By virtue of the mechanism controlled by shift lever 2|9 (Figure 1) whereby roll speed is quickly adjusted; because of the roll pressure control afforded by lever 11 (Figure 6), and through the roll spacing control effected by operation of pointer |||l (Figure 4) the machine is readily adapted to operate on all types, weights and qualities of bats.

It accordingly appears that there has been provided a machine and method for sizing hat bats in an efiicient and practical manner having among others the advantages referred to hereinabove.

As many possible embodiments may be made 

